Martin Truex Jr.’s run of bad luck continued on Monday in the rain-delayed Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway.
Truex has led laps in 11 races this season, but has won only once. He’s been among the top contenders on virtually a weekly basis. It’s been a source of frustration for the driver.
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On Monday, he started from the pole and led until the pit stops during the competition caution on Lap 15. He led the race off pit road, but was third behind Greg Biffle and Brad Keselowski, who opted to remain on the track.
Shortly after the restart, Truex slammed hard into the outside wall, sustaining heavy damage to his car and undergoing repairs.
Here's why we're under caution. #NASCARonNBCSN pic.twitter.com/9m9hlBQfeP
— NASCAR on NBCSN (@NASCARonNBC) August 1, 2016
“Just blew a right front (tire)," Truex said. "A lug nut bounced off the ground, fell in behind the wheel behind a pit stop. It’s just bad luck honestly. I knew something wasn’t right in (Turns) 1 and 2 and I got real tight off of (Turn) 2 on that restart and went down the back and was like, ‘Ah, it feels okay.’ And, as I got closer to the tunnel turn I felt it start to go down and by the time I let off and tried to slow down it was just going straight for the fence.”
Paul Menard also struggled coming off those stops. He was reportedly unable to shift into third gear on the restart and took his car to the garage. Menard is competing in his first race with new crew chief Danny Stockman.
Thrashing in the garage to fix a transmission issue. pic.twitter.com/uHzm0PwwxF
— RCR 27 Cup Team (@RCR27PMenard) August 1, 2016
The race was run Monday after being postponed due to rain on Sunday. It was scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Monday but was delayed another hour due to light rain and mist.
Truex's troubles for the day were not yet over. The driver once more had an issue, causing the caution to come out once more on Lap 100.